To understand the effect that cholesterol has on your body, you must first understand what cholesterol actually is. It is a waxy, fat-like substance that is present in all cells of your body. Your body needs it for the process of cell-building and the manufacture of some hormones and vitamins. Your liver is the cholesterol-making machine. However, you can also acquire it via food, such as dairy products and meat. What is interesting is that when you take dietary cholesterol, your liver is simultaneously triggered to produce more cholesterol.
Although your body needs manage your cholesterol for normal functions, too much of it is bad for your overall health and may cause coronary artery disease. A cardiologist in Lahore listed the types of cholesterol, the cardiac issues that high cholesterol can cause, and the ways we can prevent this from happening. Let me share a few important pointers with you as well.
Types of cholesterol in the blood
Cholesterol in the body is mainly of two types:
Low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) – Low-density lipoproteins are considered the “bad” cholesterol. It can build up inside the arterial walls and eventually cause a heart attack or stroke. This heart attack or stroke is caused because this buildup narrows the arteries, obstructing proper blood flow. An LDL level of more than 190 is considered very high and enough for your doctor to recommend medication such as statins to lower levels.
High-density lipoproteins (HDLs) – The “good” cholesterol is your high-density lipoproteins. These HDLs pick up the bad cholesterol and excess triglycerides from the blood and bring them to the liver; where they are broken down for removal from the body. A healthy level of HDLs prevents heart attacks and strokes.
In addition to these, triglycerides are a form of fats in the body that contribute to higher LDL levels and lower HDL levels. Free cholesterol cannot mix with blood and thus it is packaged with triglycerides to form lipoproteins. Regular lipid blood tests need to be done to check cholesterol levels.
Causes of high cholesterol
There are multiple factors for high cholesterol levels in the blood. Obesity and excessive weight gain are major contributing factors. You are what you eat. Therefore, one must be very mindful of the food they consume and the effects they will have on their body. Taking a diet rich in red meat, full-fat dairy products, saturated fats, and processed foods can increase levels of LDLs dangerously. This, combined with a sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise can wreak havoc on your body.
Research shows that if you smoke, you are more prone to lower levels of HDLs in your blood. Unmanaged stress on the other hand is another reason for behaviors that cause an increase in serum triglycerides and low-density lipoproteins.
Sometimes, higher levels of LDLs are hereditary. Such a case is known as familial hypercholesterolemia (FH). Mutation in the genes may hinder the ability of the liver to remove excess cholesterol from the blood.
How to lower excess cholesterol levels?
Medication and lifestyle changes are the way forward in order to let go of this excess cholesterol.
Medication
For some people, lifestyle changes alone do not lower cholesterol levels as expected. For them, simultaneous use of medications is necessary. Cholesterol-lowering agents are available in the market and can be used after being prescribed by a doctor. They work in different ways and have different side effects. Medications commonly prescribed for this condition include statins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, etc.
Physical activity
Changing your sedentary lifestyle is very important when it comes to managing high cholesterol aim to lose a few pounds by moderate cardiovascular exercises. These may include jogging, swimming, brisk walking, etc. at least 4-5 times a week.
Eat healthy fats
While quitting fast foods, fried items and processed foods is important, incorporating healthy fats into your diet is crucial at the same time. Olive oil, avocados, and nuts are some examples
Quit smoking
Smoking causes HDL levels to drop and the arteries to constrict and harden. To avoid these from happening, people suffering from high cholesterol need to quit smoking at the earliest.
Reduce stress
Stress, as described above, is a contributing risk factor for cholesterol increase. Practicing yoga, and lowering chronic stress levels by meditation and other activities can keep a tight leash on your cholesterol.
Conclusion
To sum it up, while cholesterol is important for regular bodily functions to occur smoothly, excess of it can have the opposite effect. Reducing cholesterol takes a lot of hard work and persistence, but there’s light at the end of the tunnel. You can ensure a longer life span and disease free life for yourself when you maintain your cholesterol levels well.
